The holy month of Ramadan is considered the holiest and most sacred month of the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar. Muslims firmly believe that it was during this exalted month that the archangel Gabriel descended from the heavens and revealed the Message to the Prophet Muhammad.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to elevate their level of spiritual and physical submission to God by way of fasting; that is to say, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and also husband-wife intimacy from the breaking of dawn until the setting of the sun.

As we prepare to welcome the holiest of months, here are the dates, calendar and guide to spending Ramadan 2025 in France.

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Ramadan dates and calendar 2025

The arrival of Ramadan has always been associated with a certain amount of mystique and contemplation. The exact date of the month’s beginning is traditionally determined by religious scholars/authorities under the cover of night as they seek to observe certain sightings related to the appearance and cycle of the moon.

While there hasn’t been an official announcement yet, Ramadan for the year 2025 is anticipated to start on 28 February and conclude around 29 March. Confirmation of these dates will naturally come closer to Ramadan 2025.

Ramadan moon sighting in France 2025

Last year, the moon sighting date was announced to be 10 March in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan for many Muslims around the world.

However, the date of the moon’s sighting for Ramadan 2025 has not yet been announced. It’s important to note that the moon’s sighting date for Ramadan 2025 can vary in each country because the month of Shaban does not begin on the same day in every country.

Ramadan in France

Since France is not a Muslim country, the holy festival of Ramadan is best experienced in the areas and locales concentrated with Muslim communities.

The fast begins at dawn, right after the Suhoor meal, and lasts till the end of the day. It is broken with the Iftar meal, which consists of traditional dishes, juices, and desserts. During fasting hours, people avoid drinking, smoking, eating, and engaging in sexual activities.

The mosques in France hold the Tarawih congregational prayers during Ramadan. Sermons and recitations of the Holy Quran, as well as social activities, are arranged so that Muslims and people from other backgrounds can learn and interact more about Islam.

People often visit the famous Grande Mosquée de Paris, the Strasbourg Mosque, Grande Mosquée de Lyon or the mosque of Omar Ibn Al Khattab to offer their prayers.

Rules and decorum

As the population of France is not Muslim-majority, there are no special laws regarding the holy month of Ramadan.

However, as a sign of respect for Islamic beliefs and culture, it is better not to eat, drink, or dress inappropriately in public places in Muslim-dominated locales.